Health & Welfare update
Unless an alternative is found, as of January 1, 2003,  our Health & Welfare Trust will only be able to offer Kaiser coverage for our participants.  This decision was not reached easily nor without a tremendous amount of research for a solution.  The economics of health care, as we all know, has driven up the cost in all areas, combined with benefit reductions.  We are not immune.  The decision made by the trust will enable us to continue coverage for our retirees.  The results of  a survey sent out to all Health Net participants:  Out of  100+ surveys sent, 22 were returned, and of that 18 indicated their willingness to pay the $200.00 difference to continue Health Net coverage.

LNG & Power Plant for M.I
There has been much talk concerning the proposed  Liquid Natural Gas Terminal and Power Plant proposal being consider for Mare Island.  Representatives from Bechtel and Shell, the project developers will make a presentation at the Regular Union Meeting on October 10, 2002.  The presentation will begin a 7:30.  The Meeting will be suspended for approximately one half hour while the presentation is made.  Issues dealing with work opportunities, safety and health concerns for the community, and a question answer period should make us all more informed about the proposed project.  Please plan to attend.

Fall Elections
Below you will find the endorsement suggestions from the Napa Solano Building Trades.  These endorsements are made using the following criteria.  In some cases the voting records of candidates are examined to see where they stand on issues important to organized labor. (Project Labor Agreements, Pre-qualification, Prevailing Wages, work day and work week, etc) In the case of local races,  the Building Trades sends out invitations for all candidates to come in for an interview.  In the last several years over 90% of all local candidates have responded.  Questions are posed by a panel of representatives from the various trades dealing with the above mentioned issues.  A vote is then taken to arrive at an endorsement.  In some cases both candidates are seen as labor friendly.  We in no way would propose to tell anyone how to vote, however we do encourage everyone to get out and vote.   For those of us who are extremely busy, these endorsements are made with the knowledge that those selected for endorsements are more likely to vote on issues that are important to organized labor.
 

Upcoming Events Holidays REGULAR MEETING  OCTOBER 10, 2002@ 7:00 P.M. BAR-B-QUE @5:30   NOVEMBER 11, VETERAN’S DAY (INSIDE  AGREEMENT) THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYS NOVEMBER, 28, 29, (INSIDE, RESIDENTIAL,SOUND  & COMMUNICATIONS AGREEMENTS)  CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS DECEMBER 24, (INSIDE AGREEMENT) DECEMBER 25, (ALL AGREEMENTS) DECEMBER 26, (RESIDENTIAL) JANUARY 1, 2003 NEW YEARS DAY All meetings will be held at:  720 Technology Way Napa CA, 94558

Inside this issue. Business Manager's Report Congratulations Condolences Retiree's Corner JATC ELECTION  ENDORSEMENTS

Congratulations
To:  Kevin and Leah Miller on the birth of their daughter Emaline, August 17, 2002

And:  Timothy and Nanett O’Hara on the birth of their daughter Ashton-Marie on July 30, 2002.
 

We have received notification from our International Office that Matt Bleamel has been approved for a disability pension as of March 2001.

Sidney L. Fisher retirement application has also been approved effective December 2002.

Condolences

To the family and friends of Forest “Chad” Chandler who passed away September 8, 2002.  Chad was initiated into the IBEW March 5, 1948, retiring in February, 1980.  He was born in Colorado, October 15, 1922,served in the U. S. Army from 1941 to 1945 and worked for  many local contractors.  He also spent time working out of the country on  various large construction projects.  He will be missed.

Having announced in the May 2002 Newsletter about Brother Conroy’s retirement, I now must  report his untimely death..  “RL” was the victim of a head on collision  September 15, 2002.  It was apparently the result of  another driver crossing over the line.

Rich was born November 1, 1939, initiated into the IBEW  on February 9, 1962, and retired in May of this year.  He served in the Air Force for four  years.  He leaves two sons, John and Richard, as well as his Mother , Sister, Brother, grandchildren , nieces and nephews.  His son John is a member of IBEW local 302.

Our prayers and condolences go out to the family.

Retiree's Corner
The monthly meetings for the Retirees Club are held the first Wednesday of each month, at 12:30 pm, at the  Training Center.  All retirees and spouses are welcome. Widows of retired members are encouraged to be involved.  At the October 2, 2002 meeting lunch will be served. Please RSVP to Ken so that enough food will be available.

Ken Breckenridge has scheduled a six day trip from March 17, to March 22, 2003.  The trip will depart Vallejo and stop in Sparks,  Nevada, for a two hour Casino stop and then to Hawthorne, Nevada, for the night at the El Capitan Lodge. Day two, on to Tonopah and Mesquite for dinner and overnight at the Oasis Casino. Day three will include a tour of Zion National Park with a Tram ride and then on to Las Vegas for a two day stay at Hotel San Remo.  Day four will offer a trip to Pahrump Winery for tour and a hosted lunch. The fifth day will find you on your way to Bakersfield with accommodations at the Clarion Inn and  Basque Dinner. Day six is a return to home. Most meals are included as is baggage handling and bonus tickets at most Casinos.

For additional information;
Ken can be reached at (707) 643-4139.

JATC
Apprentice classes will begin in early September. The Inside and Sound & Communications Apprentices will attend a week at a time during the day. Residential and Journeyman classes will be held at night. Notice of class schedules will be mailed to all apprentices.

JOURNEYMAN CLASSES

The following Journeyman level classes will be offered in the near future. Class sizes and times will depend on interest. If you wish to sign-up for any of the classes being offered contact Larry Poyser at the JATC office. (707) 251-0315.
CODE THEORY
TRANSFORMERS             CONDUIT BENDING
MOTOR CONTROLS         VOICE-DATA-VIDEO
SUPERVISION & PRODUCTIVITY

Solano/Napa Building Trades Council
Election Endorsements– 2002

UNION BUILT MEANS BETTER BUILT
You want a “ no-worry” electrical system installed in your home Safe, reliable and guaranteed.  Then you need an electrical system installed by a union electrical contractor.  That’s right– UNION!  A competent union electrical contractor who employs qualified IBEW union electricians.

Each IBEW journeyman learns the trade through a 3 to 5 year Apprenticeship program.  This extensive training combines on–the-job practical experience with classroom theory and testing.  And the training doesn’t stop there.  Continuing education constantly up-dates the union electrician’s skills through programs sponsored by the IBEW and NECA the IBEW & NECA were instrument in establishing mandatory state Licensing in California.  Why? Because we believe that our work is superior & we stand behind it!

 Bruce Gourley, Business Manager
 

Updated 10/02/02 Copyright© 2002 IBEW L.U. 180 Information on this site has been approved by the Business Manager and L.U. President